Super Smash Bros. for Wii starts brawling at midnight

Courtesy PhotoClassic Nintendo characters like Donkey Kong, Mario and Wario duke it out in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The hugely anticipated Wii game launches Sunday and many West Michigan stores will be selling it at midnight.

Wii enthusiasts have been waiting months to duke it out with their favorite Nintendo characters, such as Wario, Donkey Kong, Mario, Zelda, Yoshi, Peach and Pikachu.

"This certainly isn't a sleeper title. Its popularity just stems from the fun and the competitiveness and the appeal to all ages. It's been one of the most anticipated titles of the year for the Wii system," said Ryan Boughner, assistant manager at GameStop in Grand Rapids' Celebration Village.

Chronicle News Service/Adam BirdRyan Boughner of GameStop says the story will stay open until midnight Saturday for the release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Japanese gamers have been playing since Jan. 31. It sold more than 800,000 copies in the first week of its release. In comparison, "Halo 3" for Xbox 360 sold more than 1.7 million copies on its first day, just from pre-orders and totaled a record $170 million worth of sales in one day.

Most GameStop stores, as well as other electronic and game outlets, will be open at midnight tonight to sell the game.

"It's the third game in the series and it's just been a very popular game. It's a fighting game. It doesn't incorporate lots of blood and guts," Boughner said of the game rated T for Teen. It will retail for $49.99.

The store is hosting the "Biggest Tournament Ever" where fans can play "Super Smash Bros. Brawl." Competition begins at 10 p.m.

Boughner anticipates "quite a few" people to line up for the evening. He can't say for sure how many because he "underestimated with the Halo release."

"It's a fun event. We always try to make them events -- not just come get your game and get out. It's as celebratory as possible."

SUPER SMASH BROS. BRAWL

A third generation game of Nintendo's "Super Smash Brothers," which debuted in 1999.

"Super Smash Brothers Melee": Released in 2002, is currently Nintendo GameCube's best-selling game with 7 million copies.